Abstract: The Hydro H100 heatsink ships fully assembled, filled with a propylene glycol based coolant and plumbed. The waterblock is connected by 24cm of flexible FEP tubing to the heat exchanger which measures about 274x120x25mm in size. Two 120mm fans are included, these operate at 2600-1300RPM and create a fair bit of noise at full tilt.

*Heatsinks are ranked according to the 150W thermal
test results column (rise over ambient temp.). Low temperatures with low
noise levels are considered best. For reference heatsinks with
variable-speed fans, only the high speed (12V) fan test result is included
in the comparison sheet; more detailed results reside in each specific
heatsink review.

Intel
processors vary in power output between single and multi-core models, so
FrostyTech tests heatsinks with two thermal loads that represent the upper limit
of each CPU family. With a 150W heat load applied by the Intel LGA775/1156/1155 version of FrostyTech's
synthetic thermal test platform, the Corsair Hydro H100 liquid cooling system
maintains an excellent temperature result of just 12.1°C over ambient
with both 120mm fans rotating at 2600RPM. At this fan speed, noise output was a
moderately loud 59.2 dBA.

Slowing both 120mm fans on the heat exchanger to 1300RPM
resulted in a modest increase in test temperature, to 14.2°C over ambient but
with a quieter 43.6dBA noise output.

Corsair's Hydro H100 liquid cooling system was next
tested with an 85W heat load. Under these test conditions the Hydro H100 managed
an excellent test result of 7.5°C over ambient at full fan speed and 8.4°C over
ambient at reduced fan speed.

Bloody Corsair fan
blades!

While it's plainly clear from the
above heatsink reference chart that Corsair's Hydro H100 heatsink offers
excellent cooling results, this self contained watercooling solution is pretty
demanding with respect to computer cases. The Hydro H100's large heat exchanger
will only install into cases with two 120mm rear case vents located side by
side. Generally speaking, this means it's good to go for modern full tower
gaming chassis...

That being said, if you're willing to drill some holes
and your case is otherwise big enough, go for it!

Case limitations aside, the key to getting the most from
Corsair's Hydro H100 is mounting the waterblock flat. It took a couple
tries before an even load was applied in our test scenario. For that matter, it
would have been nice if the thumbscrews had phillips screw drive sockets
too.

Compared to Corsair's Hydro H80 model, the Hydro H100
performs within a degree cooler at full fan speed...

On that note, the Hydro H100 ought to
include 120mm fan grills. At full tilt, Corsair's 120mm fans rotate
with enough force and the impeller blades are sharp enough to cut fingers
if you catch a fan blade by accident. Not the first time this has
happened... sure it won't be the last either.

The Top 5 best heatsinks for low noise and low temperature
are ranked here. For more reviews on the latest heatsinks
and cooling solutions, rely on FrostyTech's inventory of 400+ heatsink
reviews. Here are a few other articles that you might enjoy as well.